International Women's Forum Held in Avaza Under Turkmenistan's CIS Chairmanship
Strengthening peace, seeking a fair model of global development, and humanizing international politics were the key themes of the International Forum "The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development," held on October 7 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. This high-level discussion platform, which brought together delegates from CIS countries, Asia, and Europe, serves as a precursor to the summit of CIS heads of state.
Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, moderated the plenary session. The head of the national parliament emphasized that the forum was organized to create a new, effective platform for exchanging practical experience regarding the enhancement of women's status in public life, the protection of motherhood and childhood, the safeguarding of social rights, and the realization of citizens' intellectual potential. Uniting international efforts is a key factor in strengthening mutual trust and security, both regionally and globally.
In her address, Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on the 35th anniversary of independence and noted the profound symbolism of holding the forum in Avaza, a location that offers ideal conditions for women's full self-realization.
The Speaker of the Upper House of the Russian Parliament emphasized that women are uniquely capable of bringing constructive dialogue and a commitment to compromise to the modern global agenda. Valentina Matviyenko also invited the meeting participants to attend the 5th Eurasian Women’s Forum, scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg in the autumn of 2027.
Delegates from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, participated in the plenary session. The Russian parliamentary delegation included Federation Council Deputy Speaker Inna Svyatenko and committee chairs Liliya Gumerova and Vladimir Dzhabarov. The proposals and initiatives developed during the consultations will form the substantive basis for further advancing sustainable development strategies across the CIS region.
